The Universe is your University
Our family motto, “The Universe is your University,” embodies our belief that learning knows no boundaries. Romanieo Jr.’s journey is a testament to this philosophy, as he navigates the realms of science, art, and culture with curiosity and passion. From particle physics and organic chemistry to music and language, Romanieo Jr. exemplifies how the world around us is the greatest classroom. This guiding principle drives his exploration and mastery of diverse disciplines, encouraging a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
"Global Science Ambassador"
Romanieo Nicholas Golphin, Jr. is a 15-year-old Global Science Ambassador, recognized for his extraordinary early advancements in Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Organic Chemistry, and Music Theory. His pursuit of scientific excellence spans the United States, Switzerland, France, and the Atacama Desert in Chile. He was named “The Next Einstein” by The Washington Post at age 8 and profiled by NBC’s The Today Show as a “Boy Who Is Changing The World.”
Unprecedented Global Scientific Access
Romanieo Jr. is the only child on record to have received VIP invitations and tours of some of the world’s most prestigious scientific centers:
● NASA | Space and Aeronautical Sciences
● CERN | European Organization for Nuclear Research
● Fermilab | Particle Physics Research
● Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | Nuclear Fusion and Advanced Research
In short, he’s had hands-on access to:
● A Nuclear Fusion Lab (US Department of Energy)
● 3 Particle Detectors (US, Switzerland & France)
● 7 NASA Sites
Media Appearances
Romanieo Jr.’s media appearances are as epic as his scientific access. He has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC’s Little Big Shots with special guest Bill Nye, CBS’s Inside Edition, and NBC’s America’s Got Talent (postponed during the pandemic). These appearances have reached audiences of over 55 million.
Global Reach and Speaking Engagements
Romanieo Jr.’s global reach is evidenced by his speaking engagements. He has delivered keynote addresses at a STEM expo to an audience of over 1,000 educators, students, and their families. He has spoken at a corporate entrepreneurial event in Menlo Park, CA, and given guest lectures to Duke University faculty and graduate students in the Program in Education.
Academic and Research Contributions
At age 15, Romanieo Jr. was named the ambassador to the European Organization for Nuclear Research’s ATLAS experiment due to his advancements in Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Organic Chemistry, Music Theory, Linguistics, and Art. He has led lab discussions in Organic Chemistry nomenclature at Morehouse College, sat in on classes at UNC Chapel Hill (Chemistry) and Morehouse College (Chemistry & Physics), and participated in a lecture at Duke University’s School of Education. In July 2019, on the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity being confirmed by Sir Arthur Eddington, Romanieo Jr. and his father embarked on an epic expedition to the Atacama Desert to reconfirm Einstein’s theory during a total solar eclipse.
Artistic Pursuits
In true left-brain, right-brain mastery, Romanieo Jr. challenges himself by grasping concepts like aesthetics, form, and function through weekly drawing classes at the Detroit Institute of Art. He has a strong appreciation for the arts, with some of his favorite institutions being the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, DIA, and the Louvre. With perfect pitch developed through early music study, he delights in identifying musical notes and enjoys playing the piano and guitar, composing Jazz and Classical music, as well as producing Hip-Hop and EDM. He also practices woodworking. Romanieo Jr. is studying Russian, German, and Korean, further showcasing his commitment to a broad and deep understanding of the world.
Selected Projects
Maryland State STEM Award presented by Governor Larry Hogan (R)
At just eight years old, Romanieo Jr. received the State STEM Award from former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Governor Hogan praised Romanieo Jr. as “the most impressive 8-year-old he has ever met or heard about,” and challenged him to a spirited Rubik’s Cube competition. The event was filled with laughter and admiration, highlighting Romanieo Jr.’s early mastery of STEM subjects and his remarkable intellect.
Named a "Boy Who's Changing The World". NBC Networks
Romanieo Jr. captivated audiences on NBC’s Today Show, where Savannah Guthrie interviewed him for her special series on “Boys Changing the World.” Celebrated for his role as a CERN ambassador and his command of organic chemistry and particle physics, Romanieo Jr. shared a playful yet informative lesson on chemical molecular modeling with Guthrie while enjoying french fries. His ability to distill complex subjects into engaging conversations showcased his unique talent and charisma.
Science Correspondent on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As a Science Correspondent on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Romanieo Jr. brought the wonder of the 2017 Great American Total Solar Eclipse to a broad audience. He explained the intricacies of this celestial phenomenon and the importance of viewing it safely, distributing solar safety glasses donated by NASA to the entire audience. The segment culminated in a surprise gift from Kimmel: a solar telescope from Meade Instruments, which later sponsored Romanieo Jr. and his family as Brand Ambassadors.
Collaborating with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on NBC's Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In a particularly memorable segment of NBC’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Romanieo Jr. joined forces with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for the popular Phone Booth segment. Romanieo Jr., the “secret weapon” guest, dazzled the audience with his scientific acumen, helping The Rock triumph over Fallon by correctly answering science trivia questions. The segment, featuring special appearances by the Blue Man Group, has garnered over 23 million views on YouTube, cementing Romanieo Jr.’s place in pop culture.